Steel tip dartboards, also known as “bristle dartboards,” are the traditional type of dartboard used in professional dart games, such as those seen in international competitions like the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) World Championship.
These dartboards are usually made from sisal or hemp fibers densely packed together, providing a sturdy yet slightly pliable surface. The darts used with these boards have a sharp, steel tip designed to penetrate this material. The boards themselves are typically divided into 20 radial sections, each marked with a number from 1 to 20, and a few special zones (like the bullseye and double/triple score areas) that provide additional scoring options.
Steel tip dartboards are often favored by serious darts players because they offer a high level of durability and consistent performance. However, because of the sharpness of the darts, precautions should be taken when setting up these boards to prevent accidents or damage to the surrounding area.
5 Key Takeaways
- Steel tip dartboards, also known as bristle dartboards, are used in professional dart games and are the standard for international competitions.
- The boards are typically made from dense sisal or hemp fibers, providing a firm but slightly yielding surface for the darts to penetrate.
- The darts used on these boards have a sharp, steel tip, hence the name “steel tip dartboards.”
- The dartboards feature 20 radial sections numbered from 1 to 20, along with additional special scoring zones, such as the bullseye and double/triple score areas.
- While steel tip dartboards are preferred for their durability and consistent performance, they do require safety precautions due to the sharpness of the darts, including care when setting up these boards to avoid accidents or damage.
Why Own a Steel Tip Dartboard?
Owning a steel tip dartboard, as opposed to other types, like electronic or magnetic dartboards, can offer several benefits, especially if you’re interested in a more traditional, professional darts experience:
1. Authenticity – Steel tip dartboards provide a traditional, authentic dart-playing experience. They are used in professional tournaments worldwide and are the standard for darts play. If you are a serious player or aspire to be, using the same equipment as professionals can enhance your training and gameplay.
2. Durability – These boards are made of sisal or hemp fibers and are built to last. They can withstand countless games, with the fibers closing back up after the dart is removed, essentially “healing” the hole left by the dart.
3. Skill Development – Steel tip darts require a certain level of precision and force. They can therefore help improve your accuracy and throwing skills over time, especially compared to soft-tip or magnetic darts, which are lighter and easier to throw.
4. Aesthetic Appeal – A classic steel tip dartboard can add a traditional, pub-like feel to a game room, basement, or garage. It has an old-school charm that electronic boards often lack.
5. No Need for Power – Unlike electronic dartboards, steel tip dartboards don’t need electricity or batteries to function. This can be beneficial if you want to play in an area without access to power or if you just prefer a game experience that’s not reliant on technology.
Best Steel Tip Dartboards and Related Accessories
- ELECTRONIC DARTBOARD CABINET & 12-STEEL TIP DARTS: This pre-assembled dartboard cabinet with LED digital...
- BRISTLE TECH DARTBOARD: Made of Sisal-like e-bristles, this BristleSmart standard size 13.5” dartboard...
- SMART DARTBOARD SCORING: The door-mounted scoreboard tracks 2-player Cricket games displaying X/O scoring as...
- STORAGE & MOUNTING: Built-in dart holster stores up to 12 darts. Includes mounting hardware for most indoor...
- CLASSIC PUB GAMES: This BristleSmart dartboard makes scoring 34 different pub games like Cricket and 301 easy....
- PROFESSIONAL TOURNAMENT-QUALITY DARTBOARD: 18-inch self-healing sisal fiber dartboard with high tensile steel...
- FULLY ELECTRONIC DART SCORING: Nore more messy chalk! Deluxe LED cricket scoring is mounted on the cabinet...
- EASY-TO-MOUNT CABINET: The attractive yet inconspicuous hideaway door cabinet keeps the dartboard and game...
- SELF-HEALING: Sisal material, tightly packed bristle design allows dart holes to fill in once the tips are...
- SET INCLUDES: (1) 18” Tournament Quality Bristle Dartboard, (1) Easy-Mount Cabinet with Hanging Hardware,...
- Constructed from self-healing sisal bristle fibers compressed together, providing unsurpassed durability
- Staple-free spider utilizes razor thin galvanized wires which greatly increases the surface area, helping...
- Viper Razorback is an official tournament size board, measuring 18" in diameter and 1.5" D
- A movable number ring further extends the dartboard's life
- Dartboard accommodates both steel tip and soft tip darts and includes mounting hardware
- Defend your wall with classic style. Protect your home from errant Dart throws, and will look good doing it
- Cabinet finished with an attractive matte black finish to match any decor
- Extra thin profile allows you to enjoy the game of darts without obstructing your room or walls
- Features a two sided high-density coiled Paper dartboard with traditional darts on one side and Baseball darts...
- Set includes cabinet, dartboard, and two sets of Starter darts; also includes easy to Use mounting hardware...
- Package length: 5.08 cm
- Package width: 46.355 cm
- Package height: 46.355 cm
- Product Type: SPORTING GOODS
- Movable number ring allows you to rotate the dartboard, allowing the fibers to heal, and extending its life.
- Constructed from self-healing sisal bristle fibers compressed together, providing unsurpassed durability
- Features a staple-free bullseye which helps prevent bounce-outs; A movable number ring further extends the...
- Viper Dead On is an official tournament size board, measuring 18" in diameter and 1.5" D
- Utilizes thin, rounded galvanized wires that allow darts to slide off the spider and land in the target area
- Dartboard accommodates both steel tip and soft tip darts and includes mounting hardware
- PROFESSIONAL QUALITY: This dartboard is made with premium quality materials for an authentic, high-quality...
- SELF HEALING: The sisal dartboard material maintains a strong hold on darts and self-heals dart marks so it...
- STEEL WIRE: The solid steel dividers provide a genuine feel and are built to last for the long haul
- PRINTED NUMBERS: The number ring is printed directly on the board with high-contrast coloring for easy reading...
- OFFICIAL SIZE: This 18" dartboard is regulation size which makes it perfect whether you're just having some...
- Self-Healing Sisal Fibers - Compressed sisal fibers heal over time, ensuring your dart board is always ready...
- Circular Spider Wire - Galvanized steel spider wire and staple-free bullseye helps to reduce bounce-outs and...
- Regulation Size - 17.75” diameter face so you’ll play on the same size dart board as the pros
- Rotating Number Ring - Detachable number ring allows you to rotate the board, letting the sisal fibers heal...
- Easy Setup - Includes easy-to-use mounting hardware, two sets of darts, a throw line, and throw line measuring...
- Constructed from sisal bristle fibers compressed together, providing unsurpassed durability
- Features a staple-free bullseye which helps prevent bounce-outs; A movable number ring further extends the...
- Viper League Pro is an official tournament size board, measuring 18" in diameter and 1.5" D; Dartboard...
- Utilizes thin, rounded galvanized wires that allow darts to slide off the spider and land in the target area
- Includes cricket scoreboard with chalk and eraser, 1 complete sets of steel tip darts (3 total) and mounting...
